Construction is underway on a major new logistics facility for Cummins in Darlington – marking a significant investment in the future of one of the North East’s largest manufacturing operations.
GMI Construction Group has broken ground on a new 282,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility for the global power solutions leader at Ingenium Parc, Salters Lane, with key stakeholders and project partners gathering on site to mark the start of construction.
The development will expand Cummins’ existing Darlington campus to the south, linking directly with its current manufacturing and office facilities.
Cummins has operated in Darlington since 1965 and employs around 1,700 people across engine manufacturing and assembly, testing, technical and business operations. The new facility will enable the company to bring more of its logistics capability on-site, improving operational efficiency and supporting future growth.
The scheme forms the first phase of development at Ingenium Parc, a strategic employment site being brought forward by Darlington Borough Council. It is expected to support Cummins’ continued expansion in the North East while reinforcing Darlington’s position as a centre for advanced engineering and manufacturing excellence.
Located on a 5.38-hectare (13.3-acre) site off Salters Lane, the facility will feature internal automated storage, ancillary office accommodation and a substantial service yard with HGV circulation areas, dock levellers and dedicated lorry parking. Two staff car parks will provide more than 230 spaces, alongside cycle storage facilities to encourage sustainable travel.
The development will be accessed from Salters Lane, linking to Yarm Road and the nearby A66. Supporting infrastructure includes a new internal access road and gatehouse.
Designed to complement the existing Cummins campus, the facility will incorporate multi-facing brickwork, aluminium curtain wall glazing and composite cladding. Landscaping proposals include a dedicated enhancement zone with planting, seating and biodiversity improvements to help integrate the development into the surrounding environment.
The building has also been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to operate either as an extension of the existing Cummins site or as a standalone facility if required.
Dominic Dickinson, Regional Director for the North East at GMI Construction Group, said: “It’s a significant industrial development drawing on GMI’s extensive experience in delivering complex logistics and manufacturing schemes across the North East, and we look forward to working closely with Cummins and the wider project team as construction progresses.
“We are proud to be delivering a high-quality facility that will support Cummins’ future growth in Darlington, while further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.”
Steve Morley, Plant Manager at Cummins, added: “Breaking ground on this new facility marks an exciting next chapter for our Darlington campus and our long-term investment in the region.
“By bringing more of our logistics operations onto site, we can further improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration across the campus and support the future growth of our operations.
“Darlington has been central to Cummins’ UK presence for 60 years and this investment reflects our continued commitment to the area, our employees and the wider supply chain. We are pleased to officially begin this project alongside GMI Construction Group and our development partners.”
